Indefinite bandh continues in Dimapur

Though bandh in other districts have been relaxed, expect for government offices and vehicles, Dimapur continues to remain close from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. now relaxed to 3 p.m. (starting February 18).

Bandh in Dimapur was mostly peaceful but there were reports of unruly behaviours. Despite frequent appeals made by various civil society organisations for peaceful bandh, some unruly volunteers seem unyielding in creating fear psychosis in Dimapur--the “commercial hub” of Nagaland.

As reports of unpleasant incidents from pockets of the city during the ongoing bandh emerge, the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), on several occasions, has issued directives to its volunteers. However, it seems to be falling into deaf ears.

There have been reports of verbal harassment and eve-teasing; students have also expressed concern over the environment in which they were appearing the ongoing state board exams.

On Friday evening after the bandh was lifted, people were seen running helter-skelter at New Market area for no obvious reason. Panicked onlookers also started fleeing while shopkeepers looked in confusion.

It was later learned that the confusion started when volunteers reportedly chased a passerby who came out thinking the bandh was over.